]]>Sam MosesYaz RabadiMon, 19 Jun 2017 00:48:09 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog//sam-moses5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:59471eea9de4bb69d254eecbOnly now learning of the passing of Sam Moses. Our moments spent together working on The Beard were brief in the grand scheme of life, but the experience I will cherish forever. So much presence, soul and love in everything he did. His light always shone through.

10 years ago, my fourth year thesis film, Karim, premiered at the Royal Cinema as part of the 2007 Ryerson University Film Festival.

In preparation for this posting, I've tried to watch Karim a few times now but can never seem to make my way through the damn thing. I'm not sure why that is. I don't think this reaction comes from a place of shame or insecurity or anything like that... I think maybe it has more to do with Karim being one of the most personal films I have ever made and it possessing this huge weight - weight I don't really care to revisit these days.

Still, Karim was a big deal for me, so here we are.

If I could use one word to describe the production, it would be exhausting. The dark subject material, the logistics of the shoot, the scope of the production, a maniacal director (it's true)... looking back on most of it, the whole thing feels like a bit of a nightmare. As I reflect on the production thinking back on production, the concept of relaxation is non-existent... as I look through set stills, smiles are seldom seen. Set was madness, more often than not. But then maybe that was what was needed to get Karim to where it needed to be, because I can’t really imagine this film turning out the way it did if the cast and crew joined hands and sung Kumbaya between takes.

I will say that the cast and crew I had along for this ride were the best fuckin' cast and crew I could have ever asked for, full stop. I also can’t begin to thank my parents enough for letting this group of misfits invade their home, vandalizing bedroom walls and flooding washrooms all in teh name of art. That's love.

The film itself is far from perfect. It has its faults. But I'll be damned if I'm not proud of it. Ryan Persaud kills it in the lead. There are moments that work. The film is grounded and gritty, but remains visually engaging. Most importantly, I know the film makes one feel - which is honestly all I ever gave a damn about.

Anyway, I apologize for going on and on. If all this sounds super self-indulgent or egotistical or some other shit, well, deal with it. Karim was a big deal for me. In man ways, it still is. So I'm treating it like one.

Check out the film above. Trailer, poster and set stills below. Peace and blessings.Yaz

Ryan Persaud on the set of Karim (2007)

Director of Photography Kar Wai Ng and Director Yaz Rabadi on the set of Karim (2007).

First Assistant Director Darrell Faria and Ryan Persaud on the set of Karim (2007).

Production Designer and Ryan Persaud on the set of Karim (2007).

Director Yaz Rabadi and Ryan Persaud on the set of Karim (2007).

Ryan Persaud and Director Yaz Rabadi on the set of Karim (2007).

Rishma Malik and Director Yaz Rabadi on the set of Karim (2007).

Production Design Art created by Katie Hawrysh for Karim (2007).

Production Design Concept Art for Karim (2007).

]]>An Ode to 'Karim'Kill Sister, Kill - Teaser TrailerTrailersYaz RabadiFri, 03 Mar 2017 20:14:55 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/kill-sister-kill-teaser-trailer5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:58b9c6fe893fc0c1bc3c912fThrowing it back a few years on this Friday with the teaser trailer for Kill Sister, Kill!

This teaser trailer was produced and directed by playwright Jamieson Child to promote Kid Switchblade Productions' Kill Sister, Kill, which performed during both the New York International Fringe Festival & Toronto Fringe Festival.

]]>Kill Sister, Kill - Teaser TrailerAn Exercise - 'Pellicle'An ExerciseYaz RabadiMon, 13 Feb 2017 04:01:52 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog//an-exercise-pellicle5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:58a126ab6a49636c52901314Back in 2011, I was making my rounds on the Canadian art council circuit trying to raise funds for an experimental film called 'Skinned'. The film would be a performance piece that would incorporate some gnarly practical effects. As part of my application, I managed to gather a small group of talented creatives to put together a small visual sampling of the idea as proof of concept to accompany my applications.

Unfortunately, 'Skinned' didn't gain any traction (aka the World wasn't ready). Over the next five years (yep), I'd come across that footage and tinker with it. Well, the tinkering is done.

Seven years is probably long enough, right? That's how long it's been since the initial launch of rabidpictures.com and not much has changed on the website since. Well, time for change!

Welcome to the new site! Hopefully you find it to a bit more user-friendly and dynamic than the previous incarnation. Check back as often as you like for more visual content and updates on upcoming/ongoing projects.

]]>‘The Beard’ Screening – Sikh International Film Festival Toronto 2014Festival ScreeningsFilmsThe BeardYaz RabadiSun, 19 Oct 2014 01:01:00 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2014/10/18/the-beard-screening-sikh-international-film-festival-toronto-20145681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1eb0e0bb4c923c74848I'm happy to announce that The Beard has been invited to screen next weekend at the Sikh International Film Festival Toronto 2014 in Toronto, Ontario! SIFFT 2014 is a wonderful film festival featuring two full days of cinema from Jackman Hall Theatre - Art Gallery of Ontario! All daytime screenings are free to attend, including The Beard, which is set to screen with various other shorts on Sunday, October 26th at 3:30 PM.

Check out the full schedule here! Tickets for the evening shows can be purchased here! Hope to see you there!

Written and directed by Yaz Rabadi, The Beard tells the story of an elderly Sikh (Sam Moses) who has been victimized as a result of his racial appearance, and how he struggles to deal with his given circumstances in the aftermath of the violent attack.

]]>It's Been A While...An ExerciseFilmsYaz RabadiTue, 19 Aug 2014 00:37:28 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2014/08/18/its-been-a-while5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1eb0e0bb4c923c74845New content. Coming soon. Promise.
]]>Support 'The Rainbow Kid' - A Feature Film!FilmsOtherYaz RabadiMon, 21 Jul 2014 00:30:44 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2014/07/20/rainbowkid5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1ea0e0bb4c923c74842As most of you know, I primarily use this space to keep you all updated on
my own film-related projects. However I wanted to take a moment away from
that to talk about The Rainbow Kid.

As most of you know, I primarily use this space to keep you all updated on my own film-related projects. However I wanted to take a moment away from that to talk about The Rainbow Kid.

The Rainbow Kid is a feature film by the talented Kire Paputts. It's currently in early pre-production and is looking for funding. Still here? Good. This is important.

Look, it's clear that cinema these days is primarily populated by films operating with a safety net. Studios churn out sequels and remakes looking for a quick buck - fast-food cinema. And the paint-by-the-numbers 'indie-film' can often leave one underwhelmed. The Rainbow Kid is a gritty, passionate, and above-all-else, real film that strives to be everything that those films are not. For starters, this is a feature film that is fore fronted by actors with Down syndrome.

Knowing Kire as well as I do, I can tell you right now that The Rainbow Kid, is a film very dear to his heart. Kire has been busting his ass for the past few years trying to get this sucker off the ground, but because the film and the story is unlike any other, funding from larger film studios is hard to achieve. To put it bluntly, they're looking for something 'safer'. Something cinema should never be.

Have a look at two films Kire has directed below - Animal Control and Rainbow Connection. These two award-winning short films are the epitome of what Kire is all about as a filmmaker. Films that are real, gritty, have something to say - and above all else, films that don't play it safe.

Note: Animal Control contains scenes some viewers may find disturbing.

So, if you have managed to make it this far, what else is there to think about? Donate to this film. It doesn't matter what you can provide - any amount is more than appreciated. Trust me when I say this, Kire will make magic with it.

]]>Peel Student Film Festival - Keynote Speaker + 'The Beard' ScreensFestival ScreeningsThe BeardYaz RabadiWed, 21 May 2014 14:12:20 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2014/05/21/peel-student-film-festival-keynote-speaker-the-beard-screens5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1ea0e0bb4c923c7483fI am happy to announce that The Beard will screen next at 4th Annual Peel
Student Film Festival! However, the news doesn't stop there, as I am
thrilled to announce that I will be speaking to the students of Peel as
this year's festival keynote speaker!

I am beyond thrilled (and admittedly a bit nervous), to have the opportunity to speak on my experiences with film and connect with the filmmakers of the future! Should be an awesome experience!

The Peel Student Film Festival's mission is to highlight the promising talents of Peel's young filmmakers on the big screen! The festival will be putting forward a rich and bold new program this year, exploring 8 categories including: Documentary/News Report, Commercial, Public Service Announcement, Animation, Experimental Film, Music Video, Movie Trailer and Short Film.

The festival is a full day event, taking place this Thursday, May 22nd, 2014 at Orion Gate Grande Cineplex Odeon in Brampton, Ontario. Should be a wonderful day full of amazing films!

]]>'The Beard' Awarded Most Compelling Film at LISFF!Festival ScreeningsThe BeardYaz RabadiMon, 05 May 2014 03:10:11 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2014/05/04/the-beard-awarded-most-compelling-film-at-lisff5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1e90e0bb4c923c7483cThe Beard screened this past weekend to sold out crowds as part of the
Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival! It's always a pleasure to
have The Beard screen at home, here in Toronto, but all the more when the
film was awarded 'Most Compelling Film' by the festival Jury and William F.
White International Inc.!

The Beard screened this past weekend to sold out crowds as part of the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival! It's always a pleasure to have The Beard screen at home, here in Toronto, but all the more when the film was awarded 'Most Compelling Film' by the festival Jury and William F. White International Inc.! Along with the award, I was granted funds from William F. White International Inc. that will go toward production over the next year.

I can't thank the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival enough for including The Beard in their festival this year and recognizing the film in the manner they did. I would also like to thank the amazing cast & crew of The Beard that made all this possible. The film is still going strong and it's wonderful to see.

Still haven't had a chance to see The Beard? Check it out below!

Written and directed by Yaz Rabadi, The Beard tells the story of an elderly Sikh (Sam Moses) who has been victimized as a result of his racial appearance, and how he struggles to deal with his given circumstances in the aftermath of the violent attack.

]]>‘The Beard’ Screening – Lakeshorts International Short Film FestivalFestival ScreeningsFilmsYaz RabadiMon, 28 Apr 2014 18:36:53 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2014/04/28/the-beard-screening-lakeshorts-international-short-film-festival5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1e90e0bb4c923c74834The Beard continues its festival run with a screening later this week at
the 2014 Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival in Toronto, Ontario! The Beard continues its festival run with a screening later this week at the 2014 Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival in Toronto, Ontario! The Beard will also be recognized with an award on behalf of the festival and William F. White International Inc.!
Venue:Assembly Hall (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr, Toronto, ON, M8V 4B6)

Written and directed by Yaz Rabadi, The Beard tells the story of an elderly Sikh (Sam Moses) who has been victimized as a result of his racial appearance, and how he struggles to deal with his given circumstances in the aftermath of the violent attack.

]]>An Exercise in Flexing the Creative MuscleAn ExerciseYaz RabadiMon, 09 Dec 2013 03:10:38 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2013/12/08/anexercisecreativemuscle5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1e70e0bb4c923c7482aLast week I had the pleasure of speaking with some high school film students from White Oaks Secondary School (WOSS) in Oakville, Ontario. I had attended WOSS as a student and was pretty much introduced to film/tv production through their Communications & Technologies program, which was/is taught by Dale Andrews. It was great to see how far the program had come in the 10 years since I had graduated. While answering questions, providing advice and speaking about my own experiences in the film industry, it became apparent that I needed to take some of my own advice and be more proactive in engaging my creativity.
With that in mind, I met up with performer Jamieson Child this past weekend to shoot a small piece as a creative exercise. My hope is to actively be more creative through the production of smaller projects in between larger ones. Small steps, perhaps, but exciting nonetheless! The first piece - of what will hopefully be many - will be available for viewing online later this week! Stay tuned!
]]>'The Beard' Included on Top 12 Canadian Short Films of 2013 List!FilmsPressThe BeardYaz RabadiMon, 25 Nov 2013 15:43:12 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2013/11/25/thebeardtop125681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1e70e0bb4c923c74827I received some great news over the weekend as The Shorts Report has
included The Beard in their Top 12 Canadian Short Films of 2013 list!I received some great news over the weekend as The Shorts Report has included The Beard in their Top 12 Canadian Short Films of 2013 list! While it is exciting for the film to be recognized on any list, I can't help but feel especially proud about this one as I find my self in the company of amazingly talented Canadian filmmakers. The Shorts Report is a great resource for all things short film! Founded by Kellie Ann Benz, The Shorts Report aims to inform filmmakers of the options they have for their short films while keeping a strong finger on the pulse of short film. Check out the site and make sure you watch the other Canadian shorts that made the list! So much talent!

A special thanks once again to everyone who made this film possible. I can't believe it's seen the longevity it has, and I think that speaks to its quality and message.

If you still haven't had a chance to see The Beard, you can head over to The Shorts Report, or watch it right here! Please feel free to share!

Written and directed by Yaz Rabadi, The Beard tells the story of an elderly Sikh (Sam Moses) who has been victimized as a result of his racial appearance, and how he struggles to deal with his given circumstances in the aftermath of the violent attack.

]]>'The Beard' Chosen as Short Film of the Day on Film School RejectsFilmsThe BeardYaz RabadiMon, 30 Sep 2013 23:48:57 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2013/09/30/the-beard-chosen-as-short-film-of-the-day-on-film-school-rejects5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1e60e0bb4c923c74824Exciting news today as The Beard was named Short Film of the Day by Film
School Rejects!

Film School Rejects writer Scott Beggs posts a new short film every weekday with a brief review. The Beard was fortunate enough to be his pick of the day, and he turned in a lovely review of the film to boot!

So if you still haven't had a chance to catch The Beard, or want to check out Scott's other picks (highly recommended!), then head on over to Filmschoolrejects.com and have a look!

Written and directed by Yaz Rabadi, The Beard tells the story of an elderly Sikh (Sam Moses) who has been victimized as a result of his racial appearance, and how he struggles to deal with his given circumstances in the aftermath of the violent attack.

]]>CBC's Short Film Face Off Results Are In - What's Next?FilmsThe BeardYaz RabadiMon, 09 Sep 2013 01:40:07 +0000http://www.rabidpictures.com/blog/2013/09/08/cbcs-sffo-results-are-in-whats-next5681aed169492e756d5a0537:5722a1af0e0bb4c923c7458f:5722a1e60e0bb4c923c74821Last night, the winner of CBC's Short Film Face Off was announced as being
Stephen Dunn from St. John's, Newfoundland!Last night, the winner of CBC's Short Film Face Off was announced as being Stephen Dunn from St. John's, Newfoundland! Congrats to Stephen, his crew and all his supporters! While the result is obviously not what I had hoped for, I do believe that everything in this life happens for a reason. The bottom line is I am thrilled that The Beard has managed to generate the support and viewership that it has. Once again, I want to take a chance to thank everyone who supported my self and the film in the competition by voting and spreading the word! I would also like to thank CBC, and all those who make Short Film Face Off possible as a show! It's great to see emerging Canadian filmmakers have a stage to share their work with such a large audience. Thrilled to have been a part of it! As for what's lined up next? The coming months will be spent in getting more eyes on The Beard, as well as continuing to develop my first feature film, as well as other short projects along the way. Stay tuned as I'll be updating regularly!

Written and directed by Yaz Rabadi, The Beard tells the story of an elderly Sikh (Sam Moses) who has been victimized as a result of his racial appearance, and how he struggles to deal with his given circumstances in the aftermath of the violent attack.